Brad Mate

Jean Paul Brun Côte De Brouilly 2009, Ac

really light and not much to get excited about. Enjoyable plum mineral flavours, but nothing profound here.

Santa Rita Medalla Real Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Maipo Valley

Montirius Terre Des Aînés Gigondas 2007

Impressive by all standards...especially since every bottling year after year reflects this high quality. It's full and rich but composed and balanced. I highly recommend!

Montecillo Rioja Gran Reserva 2001, Doca

Personally, I don't find a huge difference from the Reserva (on a good vintage year). I love the classic Rioja qualities of Montecillo...Spiced cherries, barn yard, herbs, cedar and smoke.

Pérez Cruz Reserva Limited Edition Carmenère 2012

A bold structured wine with plenty of quality tannin. Mint, Blueberry, Herbs and Spice.

Le Clos Jordanne Village Reserve Pinot Noir 2011, VQA Niagara Peninsula

Soft and elegant. Smoky cherries with hints of vanilla. Medium body makes this very classy stuff.

Hess Collection 19 Block Cuvée 2009, Mount Veeder, Napa Valley

The Hess 19 block from Mt Veeder vineyards is my favourite under $50 California wine. Every vintage of this stuff is bang on. Flavourful with structure, grippy tannins and balanced acidity. I'd say it's the best wine Hess makes.

Domaine Dupré Vignes De 1935 Morgon 2012, Ac

Classic Beaujolais sweet and sour strawberry notes with some smoke on the nose. There's also a faint hint of marshmallow. Light silky tannins. Perhaps not that exciting, but a textbook example of Beauj.

Domaine De La Tête Noire Cuvée Tradition Vacqueyras 2010, Ac

Sweet burnt brown sugar & earthy nose. Blueberries and minerals dominate the palate. Firm, focused and dry. Needs another 3-5 years to develop as most Rhone wines do.

Rustenberg Chardonnay 2013

Full, lush and flavorful. Beautifully integrated vanilla/caramel oak, with honeydew, melon, and pineapple and hints of citrus. Dry but Luxurious mouth feel. Totally incredible for $20.